Now Commenting On:

Rangers executive George resigns to become college AD

Rangers executive George resigns to become college AD

9/13/12: The Rangers' broadcast talks to COO Rick George about drawing three million fans for the first time in franchise history

By T.R. Sullivan
/
MLB.com |

ARLINGTON -- Rick George, the Rangers' president of business operations, has resigned to become athletic director at the University of Colorado.

George had been with the Rangers since October 2010, when he was hired by former CEO Chuck Greenberg as chief operating officer. He was promoted to his president of business operations position during Spring Training and his primary role was to oversee the business side of the Rangers organization.

"We wish Rick well as he pursues his passion of college athletics," Rangers CEO Nolan Ryan said in a statement. "We appreciate his many contributions the past few years, particularly his efforts to help us increase revenues and attendance to record levels. We have a deep, experienced team in place on the business operations side that is prepared to maintain our strong performance while we look for Rick's successor."

Over the past three years, the Rangers have established record levels for sales and sponsorship revenue while surpassing the three million mark in home attendance for the first time in 2012. The Rangers have not announced how they intend to fill the position.

George was hired by the Rangers from the PGA Tour but has an extensive background in college athletics. He served as assistant athletic director, football operations at the University of Colorado from 1987-91. He has also held intercollegiate athletics administration positions at Vanderbilt and the University of Illinois.

"I am excited about the new opportunity that awaits me at the University of Colorado and the opportunity to be back in intercollegiate athletics," George said. "I am grateful to the Texas Rangers ownership, specifically Ray Davis and Bob Simpson, for the opportunity that they have given me as the chief operating officer the last three years. The Rangers have not only a great team on the field, but also a great team in the front office under Nolan Ryan's leadership. I will cherish this experience and the lasting friendships that I have made in my time with the Rangers."